Don’t “Rise with the Rooster” in Winter
Traditional health preservation stresses that the human body must "follow nature"—that life should align with natural changes, adjusting daily routines according to seasonal shifts.
The *Huangdi Neijing* states: "In the three winter months, this is called ‘closing and storing’; go to bed early and rise late, waiting for sunlight." Winter is a season of closure and storage. Metabolism slows down, yin essence and yang energy remain hidden, and the body exhibits an “internally active, externally quiet” state. Thus, preserving yang energy and conserving vital essence is essential. Especially for the elderly, whose blood and qi are often deficient, sleep patterns should be adjusted to go to bed earlier and wake later, avoiding cold and seeking warmth—never advocating "rising with the rooster."
Seniors may choose quiet, relaxing activities based on their constitution and preferences, such as raising birds, fish, or flowers, or practicing calligraphy, painting, or board games. If exercising outdoors, start with small intensity and gradually increase, aiming for mild sweating and heat dissipation. If after exercise one feels relaxed, refreshed, energetic, with improved physical and mental performance, better appetite and sleep—this indicates suitable exercise timing.